Michael Okpara Varsity Suspends Academic Activities Following Students Protest Over 'No Fees, No Exams'(Document) | #NwokeukwuMascot

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UMUDIKE, ABIA STATE - In a shocking turn of events, the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) has suspended all academic activities indefinitely following a protest by students over the controversial policy of 'No Fees, No Exams'. The decision was announced in a statement signed by Prof Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, the university Vice-Chancellor, titled "Indefinite Shut Down of the University and Suspension of Academic Activities".

According to the statement, the university woke up to chaos as miscreants took over the campus, chasing and pursuing the Vice-Chancellor and damaging his official vehicle, along with those of his officials. The protesters claimed that they were denied the opportunity to take their 1st-semester examinations due to their failure to pay their charges.

However, the university's records reveal that more than 70% of the students had already paid their charges and were peacefully taking their examinations. Additionally, over two thousand students were in the queue to pay and register their courses before the unruly protesters disrupted the peaceful atmosphere of the university.

In light of the escalating situation and to ensure the safety of lives and properties on campus, the University Management, on behalf of the Senate, has taken the difficult decision to indefinitely shut down the university. All students have been advised to vacate the university premises immediately, with a deadline set for Tuesday, 6th February 2024, at 5.00pm.

The statement reads in full: “This is to notify the public that the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State woke up to experience the violation of the long existing peace of the University this morning.

“Miscreants took over the University, chasing and pursuing the Vice-Chancellor, damaging his official vehicle and those of his officials claiming that they were not allowed to take their 1S Semester examination owing to their failure to pay their charges.

“The University's record show that more than 70% of the students had paid their charges and were peacefully taking their examinations, while more than two thousand were in the que to pay and register their courses before the miscreants and hoodlums took the stage to cause trouble and disrupted the long-standing peace of the University.

“To safeguard life and properties on Campus, the University Management has on behalf of the Senate ordered an indefinite down the University indefinitely.

“All students are advised to vacate the University premises immediately, but not later than 5.00pm on Tuesday, 6th February 2024.”

The sudden suspension of academic activities has left many students and their parents in a state of uncertainty and concern. It is hoped that the university management and the protesting students can engage in a constructive dialogue to resolve the issues at hand and bring about a swift resolution.

Meanwhile, the local authorities have been alerted to the situation, and efforts are being made to restore order and peace on the campus. The university administration assures the public that they are committed to upholding the principles of academic excellence and providing a conducive learning environment for all students.

As the MOUAU community grapples with this unsettling development, stakeholders and concerned parties are urged to exercise patience and allow the necessary processes to take place for a peaceful resolution.